Arizona Democratic Treasurer Fired After Obscene Outburst
The treasurer of the Arizona Democratic Party has resigned from his position and was dismissed from his real estate job following a video that surfaced online, where he can be seen yelling profanities.
This incident occurred during a protest at Zips Sports Grill in the Ahwatukee Foothills, after the restaurant was targeted by immigration authorities. On that same day, search warrants were executed at 14 Zips locations, leading to the closure of all stores.
“I regret the way I expressed myself. …I have officially resigned from the board,” he stated.
During the protest against deportation, a video was recorded that shows an older man aggressively following a group of young women, hurling profanities at them. According to the reporter who filmed the event, the protesters believed the women were taking selfies in support of ICE operations.
The man reportedly shouted, “You motherfuckers!” at least twice, alongside another individual calling the women “slutty girls” for supposedly loving ICE and posing for photos with agents.
After some investigation, online sleuths identified the man as Mark Holodnak, the treasurer of the 12th Legislative District Democratic Organization. He has since stepped down and offered an apology to the women involved.
“These words do not reflect my values or intentions,” Holodnak expressed. “I sincerely apologize to the two people featured in the video. I don’t want my actions to reflect negatively on the good work of LD 12… I have officially resigned from the board of directors of LD 12, effective immediately.”
Media reports indicate he chose not to address specific questions about the incident.
Following the video’s release, Holodnak’s employer received backlash, prompting a statement announcing his termination. “HomeSmart is aware of an incident where one of our independent contractor agents displayed unacceptable conduct,” the company said, emphasizing this behavior does not represent its values. Holodnak has been fired and is no longer affiliated with the company.
Holodnak became politically active in 2016 and had voiced concerns on issues like climate change, gun violence, and support for marginalized communities, according to the organization’s website.
Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security investigation confirmed the arrests of over 35 undocumented individuals linked to the operation occurring at Zips.
